Whether it’s lost inventory or cargo theft, the loss of valuable items in your warehouse could be quite a serious issue. Not only will it cost your company a significant sum in unexpected expenses, but it could also hurt your reputation as a trusted and reliable business. Due to these problems, increasing your warehouse security seems like the most logical step forward, but it can often be a challenging and overwhelming process for many business owners to complete. To help you out in this difficult journey, here are some of the best, most efficient security measures that will allow you to instantly improve the safety of your warehouse:
Start with a risk assessment
In order to eliminate potential risk, you must first identify it. As every warehouse is different, the risk you might be facing could vary as well, from common break-ins to fire hazards. Conducting a risk assessment will provide you with all the necessary information you need for creating a suitable security plan for your warehouse.
To get the best results, it’s recommended to perform a thorough risk assessment by identifying potential risks, determining exactly what or who is at risk, evaluating these risks, recording your observations, and implementing all necessary measures for eliminating them. If this process seems too complicated or time-consuming, you could also consult a professional security company for risk assessments and security improvement suggestions.
Control and limit warehouse access
Most crimes in warehouses happen due to unauthorized, forced, and illegal entry. But with so many workers running around the warehouse throughout the workday, and so much heavy machinery being regularly used, controlling access can often be a challenging task.
For that reason, many business owners in the US, for instance, have switched from manual data entry processes to automated access control systems. Whether they opt for more inexpensive access cards and pins or more pricey smart access and biometric verification, automated (keyless) systems help to manage access to different areas more efficiently in any case, thus preventing both internal and external threats.
Ensure the perimeter is secure
On the other hand, warehouse owners are quite aware of the fact that the perimeter of their premises is often the first line of defense. The safer and more secure the perimeter, the more difficult it will be to gain access to the facility, and it will act as an efficient deterrent for even professional criminals.
That is why most people frequently use colourbond fencing to take care of their safety needs. Simply by choosing high and sturdy security fencing solutions made from aluminum or steel, access to the warehouse can be controlled more easily, and safety in the facility could be significantly improved.
Secure the windows and doors
Although often overlooked, the windows and doors are another important security aspect you should pay special attention to. They represent the main access points to your warehouse, and they are among the first things potential burglars will look to when planning a break-in.
To that end, any flimsy windows and doors that could easily be broken or knocked down are ill-advised, as well as simple locks that could effortlessly be picked. Instead, your goal should be to strengthen and reinforce all potential entrances, including choosing more secure, high-quality locks, in order to minimize your weak points and reduce the risk of illegal access to your facility.
Use burglar alarms and surveillance
Burglar alarms and surveillance systems are among the most basic security requirements across the globe, but they are popular for a good reason. Especially when combined with light and motion sensors, alarms can instantly intimidate any criminal, while also alerting you of potential dangers as soon as they take place.
Similarly, surveillance systems that include 24-hour camera monitoring can be beneficial for more than one purpose. Allowing you to oversee the warehouse in real-time and even review the footage in the future, surveillance systems give you the opportunity to identify threats immediately, gather evidence of potential foul play, and even deter burglars with their mere presence.Depending on the specific needs of your warehouse, there are evidently a number of different security measures you could implement at your facility. Regardless of what you choose, it’s crucial to apply the tools and protocols that will guarantee the safety of both your company and your employees.